at home with ann

The other night I was crawling around on the dining room floor cleaning up 90% of Colin's dinner when he dropped a handful of yogurt on my head.  Dining with toddlers can be a challenge.  I am always trying to switch up his meals and not get in a rut, because while some of us can eat the same thing for breakfast every day, others of us will take a half chewed piece and hurl it on the floor.  These pancakes went over well with all my taste testers.  For now, at least.  With no added sugar and healthy fat from coconut oil, they are healthier than a traditional pancake.  Colin thinks it's funny to take my griddle out of the cabinet, put it on the floor of the kitchen, and stand on it saying "wobbly, wobbly."  Apparently I need to upgrade that particular piece of cooking equipment to something not old and warped.  And always remember to wash it before using.  Applesauce Pancakes yield: 24 small (3 inch) pancakes 1 cup flour ( I used whol...

As if we didn't have enough apples and applesauce in our lives, we went apple picking this weekend.  It was Colin's first time out, and we went with my sister-in-law and some friends who also have a 20 month old.  The babies ate their weight in whole apples, and the parents wondered what they were going to do with pounds and pounds of fruit. I have plans for crisp and pancakes, and am planning to make several batches of these waffles to stick in the freezer. Aside from being awesome for anyone, these waffles are excellent for kids.  They are portable and easy to eat, as well as being relatively healthy.   Applesauce Waffles modified from Chocolate Covered Katie Yield: 4 waffles 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup applesauce 1/4 cup maple syrup 2-4 Tablespoons milk 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (or other or butter) 2 teaspoons vanilla extr...

This week we made applesauce with our friends Sarah and Brycen.  Sarah generously provided the apples from her parent's trees, and Brycen and Colin helped in the way only 1 1/2 year olds can.  We used our giant applesauce stash to do some baking together and made muffins, amazing waffles, and this bread.  Sarah said things like, "all these things will freeze really well, that's why it's ok we made so much."  Meanwhile, I was thinking, I hope these last until the weekend.  Apple Oatmeal Bread modified from Stonyfield Farm 1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt 1 cup oats 1 egg 1/2 cup applesauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup whole wheat flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup diced apples Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a loaf pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine yogurt and oats. In another bowl, mix together egg, applesauce and brown sugar. In a third bowl, whisk together flours, bak...